Barcelona hosts an incredible variety of events throughout the year, from major festivals and concerts to sporting events and exhibitions. Here are my top picks for the best things to see and do.
Festivals
Sitges Film Festival One of the world’s leading fantasy and horror film festivals, featuring international premieres, screenings, special events and appearances by filmmakers and actors in the coastal town of Sitges, near Barcelona. 8–18 October 2026.
Ciutat Flamenco Barcelona’s flamenco festival, featuring performances by established artists and emerging talent at venues across the city. 16–25 October 2026.
48h Open House Barcelona An annual architecture festival offering free access to normally restricted buildings, historic landmarks and unique architectural spaces across Barcelona. 24–25 October 2026.
IN-EDIT Barcelona An international music documentary film festival featuring films about legendary musicians, emerging artists, music history and the stories behind the songs. 29 October – 8 November 2026.
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Exhibitions
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The Cult of Beauty at CCCB. A thought-provoking exhibition exploring how ideals of beauty have evolved through history, and how art, society, medicine and commerce shape what we consider attractive. Running until 8 November 2026.
Sim: Drawing and War An exhibition at MNAC exploring the work of artist Sim, whose powerful drawings documented the Spanish Civil War and captured the human experience of conflict. Until 31 December 2026.
A Force from the Past (Una força del passat) – CaixaForum Barcelona. An exhibition exploring how the past continues to shape the present, examining the enduring influence of history, memory and cultural heritage. Until January 10th, 2027.
World Press Photo 2026 — The internationally acclaimed photojournalism exhibition returns to the CCCB, showcasing powerful images documenting major global events and contemporary issues. 5 November – 13 December 2026.
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Concerts
The Strokes at Palau Sant Jordi. The New York indie rock favourites return to Barcelona, bringing their distinctive guitar sound and a set featuring classics from across their career. October 20th.
Deep Purple – Sant Jordi Club The legendary British hard rock band comes to Barcelona, bringing decades of rock classics including Smoke on the Water, Highway Star, and Child in Time to the stage. October 19th.
Kelela at La Paloma. The American singer and songwriter brings her distinctive blend of alternative R&B, electronic music, and soulful vocals to Barcelona for an atmospheric live performance. October 23rd, 2026.
La Oreja de Van Gogh at Palau Sant Jordi. The popular Spanish pop-rock band returns to Barcelona with their melodic sound and a set featuring beloved hits from across their career. November 6th–7th.
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Shows and Performances
Cirque du Soleil: KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities Cirque du Soleil brings its spectacular steampunk-inspired production to Barcelona, following an eccentric inventor who discovers a hidden world filled with breathtaking acrobatics, imaginative characters and fantastical mechanical creations. September 3rd–October 18th.
El Cadell – Teatre Nacional de Catalunya A contemporary Catalan play written and directed by acclaimed playwright Josep Maria Miró, presented in the TNC’s Sala Petita. 30 September – 1 November 2026.
El retrat de Dorian Gray – Teatre Romea A stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s gothic classic exploring beauty, vanity, morality and the consequences of eternal youth. Until 17 January 2027.
L’hostal de les tres Camèlies Mercè Rodoreda’s play, directed by Carme Portaceli, takes the stage in the Sala Gran of the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya. 26 November 2026–3 January 2027.
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Sports Events
Cros Popular de Sants A traditional 10km road race through Barcelona’s Sants neighborhood, starting on Carretera de Sants and finishing on Rambla de Brasil. 18 October 2026.
Challenge Barcelona Triatló A weekend of swimming, cycling and running in Barcelona, featuring Olympic and middle-distance triathlons, alongside aquathlon and open-water swimming events. 24–25 October 2026.
Allianz Jean Bouin Barcelona’s historic running event returns for its 103rd edition, with open 5km and 10km races alongside school and competitive races. 29 November 2026.
Cursa de Bombers Barcelona’s popular Firefighters’ Race returns for its 27th edition, bringing thousands of runners together for a 10km course through the city centre, with firefighters traditionally taking part in full uniform. 8 November 2026.
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Conferences
Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean International gastronomy event exploring Mediterranean food, culinary innovation, health and sustainability, bringing together chefs, researchers and food-industry professionals. 19–20 October.
AI Congress Barcelona Conference focused on artificial intelligence, bringing together technology experts, companies and industry leaders to explore the latest AI developments and real-world applications. 20–22 October.
Smart City Expo World Congress A major international gathering at Fira Gran Via bringing together experts, businesses, and city leaders to explore sustainable cities, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy, and public services. November 3–5, 2026.
Gastronomic Forum Barcelona A major culinary event at Fira Montjuïc bringing together renowned chefs, restaurateurs, food producers, and industry professionals for cooking demonstrations, tastings, exhibitions, and discussions on the latest gastronomic trends. November 2–4, 2026.